CHRISTMAS 1943
in the work camp at Cossebaude, near Dresden, at the cement works of Dyckerhoff & Widmann
"We did not work Christmas Day and Boxing Day and enjoyed ourselves exceptionally under the circumstances. We had a Red Cross Canadian parcel and an Invalid parcel each, and they were quite sufficient to enable us to thoroughly enjoy ourselves. The Invalid parcels were usually given to fellows in hospital and contained such good articles as creamola, jelly and an extra tin of milk.
On the two days, we received only one hot meal from the Germans. This came along at mid-day and consisted of a small rissole and mashed potatoes. In lieu of the evening meal, we received extra bread and altogether had 24ozs each day. This was the ration of bread for a normal weekend.
Jack and I had a grand feed Christmas ’43 and the menu was:
We had a short service of nine lessons and carols at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day, which helped to create a real atmosphere.
I can honestly say that Christmas was the best since 1939! We had a sing-song both evenings and lights out was at 2 a.m. Christmas evening saw us in the works canteen where there was a piano. The commandant was there and he gave a bottle of beer to everyone who did a turn. The German guards enjoyed themselves just as much as we did, maybe more. I practically ruined my harmonica those two evenings.
~ from the PoW diaries of my dad Bert Martin,
a signaller in 67th Med Regt., Royal Artillery
A small and belated September update for 2024, where I am still, after many years' membership, on 365 Project, also now posting elsewhere but wanting...
Gorgeous shot and what a beautiful story of your Dad's diaries. So glad he was able to have a memorable Christmas. Who needs lots of presents to enjoy themselves. Perhaps many people should remember that less is more sometimes.
It has made me happy to know your dad had one good Christmas with entertainment and plenty of food and it made me smile to know he nearly wore his harmonica out . Lovely lilies Hazel and great processing.
How wonderful to have your dad's diaries Hazel. What a wonderful man he must have been. Able to appreciate the real meaning of Christmas in spite of his situation.
A beautiful composition and edit -- looks wonderful on black -- and again thank you roe sharing from your father's diaries , and reminds us it's not the wealth and glitter that is important at this Christian Holiday
The diet is noticeably lacking in greens & vitamin C. Your dads account is so very interesting as always Hazel!
These flowers are stunning & the effect you have given this photo is extraordinary.....
Agree not a balanced diet but, of course any food was welcome. (And cigarettes came in welcomed parcels too in WW2!) The frame mask on this photo is on FastStone, an editing program free to download - it looks complicated but is very easy!
These flowers are stunning & the effect you have given this photo is extraordinary.....
Agree not a balanced diet but, of course any food was welcome. (And cigarettes came in welcomed parcels too in WW2!) The frame mask on this photo is on FastStone, an editing program free to download - it looks complicated but is very easy!